Barcelona Transfer Rumours - Sanchez to join the Catalans?

Alexis Sanchez is set tio finally complete his move to Barcelona Photo: Reuters

European and Spanish champions Barcelona have been linked with a number of players in the close-season, despite having a reserve squad capable of winning any tournament.

The highly-rated Udinese right-winger Alexis Sanchez has been linked to many clubs. Barca have been touted as favourites to sign him though, according to Udinese president Franco Soldati, who claimed that the Catalans headed the list of many top-European sides looking to sign him.

He told Radio Sportiva, There are some English sides looking at Sanchez, as Manchester City and United have been tracking him all year. So have Barcelona, and at this moment they are the favourites ahead of Juventus.

Sanchez himself cranked up the rumours a few notches after admitting that Barcelona would be a splendid destination though he may have problems getting on the team sheet if he does move there.

Barcelona would be a splendid destination. The interest of great clubs makes me proud. It means I am doing well. He told Futbol. I want to progress, play and win important trophies and to do this you need to play for the most prestigious clubs. Therefore I hope to have this chance.

However, some interest has declined after the Chilean's fee inflated from £25m to a huge £30m. English champions Manchester United were willing to pay the initial asking price, but now seem unlikely to pay the full amount.

Reports suggest Barcelona could also be priced out, as they attempted to offer three players - Jeffren, Jonathan Soriano and even Bojan Krkic - as part of an exchange deal.

Udinese chief Franco Soldati was quoted as saying, We have had contact with Manchester United and Manchester City, but at the moment Barcelona have made the best proposal.

Barcelona are also linked to Newcastle United left back Jose Enrique, according to reports in talkSPORT.

The report suggests that with Catalan skipper Carles Puyol likely to be recuperating during the beginning of next season, as he recovers from a knee surgery, Guardiola is not keen on playing midfielder Javier Mascherano as center half, and instead, Eric Abidal would be shifted to the heart of the defence to partner Gerrard Pique, while Enrique takes the left back slot.

Enrique was born in Valencia and has Spanish League experience, having played at Villarreal before moving to Newcastle in 2007. He has impressed with his performances for the Magpies this season.